Chamber Advantage Chamber AdvantageThe

February 2021

GREENCASTLE-ANTRIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

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Over the Christmas break I read a couple books by Eric Metaxas, one of

which was 7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness. I liked it so much

that on a whim I wrote the author's PR team asking for copies for our

upcoming women's seminar. (See info below.) And, low & behold, they

gracious gave us two copies! I can't wait to share them with our ladies!

Though I doubted a response, it didn't hurt to ask.

Here's another example of just asking -- Before convening with their

leadership team, a member wrote to me asking, "What Chamber benefits and

opportunities are available for 2021?" Just the asking got me thinking about

all we have to offer:

E-Newsletter Insert - Not only does our monthly newsletter include announcements of member

milestones, but it is a great option to get your info out to other members with a full-page insert.

Networking Events - I'm super excited for our "Networking Advantage" opportunities for 2021. We're

staring off with an update from the superintendent of the G-ASD. This will be on Feb. 18 and will be

offered as a hybrid event (virtual/in-person). RSVP info just below.

Invitations to Mixers and Ribbon Cuttings - I'm thrilled to say that 2020 didn't scare new businesses

from opening in Greencastle! We've had a number of ribbon cuttings in the midst of uncertainty.

Greencastle is irresistible and business owners know we're growing and know it's a great place to be!

Sponsorship Opportunities - COVID isn't going to hold our efforts back! In addition to our

networking events, we're planning our monthly "3rd Saturdays in the Square" (May - September),

Sidewalk Days (July 9&10), and our Craft Beer & Wine Fest (tentatively set for fall of 2021). The ever

popular G-ACC golf outing is scheduled for the first Friday in June -- 6.4.21. We had a blast this past

June and plan to again this year!

Leadership Development - Here's another exciting plan for 2021: "The Reading Advantage" will be a

monthly book discussion (hybrid presentation) on the 4th Friday of every month. Our first read is

"How I Made This" by Guy Raz. Let me know if you'd like to join us. It will be fun to discuss this book

chock-full of stories of entrepreneurs who've braved the storm and succeeded. RSVP info below.

Educational Seminars - In May, we're offering a very special opportunity for our female

businesswomen: "Flexible & Focused -- The Character of Today's Women Business Leader." (Sorry

gents!) We've invited VIP's from local organizations headed by women. Did I mention it's going to be a

morning brunch tea? If I tell you the menu, you'll definitely want to be there!!

Service Opportunities - May is going to be a busy month! On May Day, May 1st, we're participating

in the "Keep PA Beautiful" project. We did this a couple of years ago, pre-COVID, and had a really

good turn out from the community! (And we collected more trash that I'd like to admit!) Let's do it

again and plan pizza for a reward, shall we?

It Doesn't Hurt to AskIt Doesn't Hurt to Ask

I loved the member's response, "WOW! I hadn’t been aware - thank you so

much! I will definitely review this and be in touch." I'm so glad she asked!

Who - Dr. Lura Hanks, Superintendent of G-ASD, Sponsored By - Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.What - "Greencastle-Antrim School District: Designing our Future"When - February 18 at 8:30 AMWhere - Hybrid event online &/or at the Chamber. For those who would like to meet in-person and network, refreshments will be offered at the Chamber. For those who are more comfortable with a virtual format, a Zoom option is being offered.RSVP - HERE There is no charge for this event.

Who - Join G-ACC Executive Director Valerie Meyers every 4th Friday of the month to discuss theadvantage of reading as a tool to growing in leadership. Endorsed By - The Lilian Besore Library.What- "How I Built This" by Guy Raz (Participants need to secure their own copies)When- February 26 at NoonWhere- Hybrid event online &/or at the Chamber. RSVP - RSVP's requested but not required HERE

Who- Women business leaders are invited to attend the 2021 Leadership Advantage Seminar with VIP speakers from Franklin County featuring the book, 7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas. Sponsored By - F&M Trust.What - "Flexible and Focused - The Character of Today's Women Business Leaders"When - May 11, 8:30 - 11 a.m.Where - Rhodes Grove Conference Center. RSVPs opening March 1st.

NETWORKING ADVANTAGEG-ASD: DESIGNING OUR FUTURE

READING ADVANTAGETHE NEW G-ACC BOOK CLUB!

LEADERSHIP ADVANTAGE2021 WOMEN'S SEMINAR

From the ChamberFrom the Chamber

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Chamber AdvantageThe

Chamber Advantage2021 Membership Directory

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Showcase your business andsupport the Chamber in this new

and improved annual publication!

Welcome New Members!Welcome New Members!Welcome New Members!Welcome New Members!

Antietam Humane SocietyCFP&M Insurance

Corelle Brands, an Instant Brand CompanyCorning Credit Union

The Dapper House BarbershopF&M Trust

Greencastle-Antrim Band BoostersJ&B Custom Built Homes, Inc.

Lumber DirectMajestic Motor Company

Plastec Profiles, LLCRichard Roschli

Shalom Christian AcademySports Inn 24 Hr. Fitness

SunbodiesTrinity Lutheran Church

Thank you Renewing Members!Thank you Renewing Members!Thank you Renewing Members!Thank you Renewing Members!

Members in the NewsMembers in the NewsPortrait of a GraduateA 60-person DestinationDesign team of parents,faculty, administrators andmore has identified a list

Critical Thinking & Social ResponsibilityCreativity & InnovationLiteracy & CommunicationPhysical & Emotional HealthGeneral Knowledge and Academic Preparation

of five core competencies of the G-ASD graduate:

What does our community aspire for our youngpeople and what do they need for success guidedwere the questions guiding the team. Find the fullEcho-Pilot article HERE.

the general public in the G-A community servingresidents of Antrim Township. The available amountof $40,000 must be used for a public park,playground, playfield, gymnasium, swimming pooland/or recreation center or recreational program, orit may be spent on land and/or facilities acquisitionand/or development; program administration; andpurchase of park equipment. Guidelines areavailable at the Township office (10655 AntrimChurch Rd.) or online HERE.

Antrim Park GrantsThe Park Facilities Grant Programis now accepting applications fromnon-profit park or recreationorganizations which are open to

Greencastle Mini-Mart

Leah'sLegacy

&

The Board of Directors of theConococheague Institute at thehistoric Rock Hill Farm inMercersburg, Pennsylvania, ispleased to announce that it has

elected its new slate of officers for 2021. Thefollowing board officers were electedunanimously in the board’s January meeting:Betsey Lillard, President; Chuck Holland, VicePresident; Josh Faust, Treasurer; Bob Schwartz,Secretary.

Greencastle-Antrim SchoolDistrict was awarded $833,165.53through the Franklin County CovidRelief Block Grant Program. Thiswill enable us to provide equal

access to internet on devices that can handle thecomplexities of virtual learning for all children ingrades K-5! It will also be used to payoff ourmiddle school iPads! GASD is taking stepsforward to help our families tackle thesechallenging COVID times!

Greencastle Eye Care Center iscelebrating Tammy Wingert's 20years of excellent patient care. Theteam surprised Tammy with abreakfast to recognize her

amazing years of service and dedication to thepractice. Congratulations Tammy!

Keystone Health isexcited to welcome twonew employees to itsservice locations. SherahDevore, Certified

Registered Nurse Practitioner, has joinedKeystone Pediatrics on 5th Avenue inChambersburg. Lara Verhoef, Certified RegisteredNurse Practitioner, has joined Keystone UrgentCare on Chambers Hill Drive. Congratulations!

SEK, CPAs & Advisors is pleased toannounce the followingpromotions: Kristin A. Delauter,CPA was promoted to Supervisor.Kristin specializes in providing

audit services to municipalities, school districtsand other governmental clients, as well asfinancial institutions. Jordan P. Hurrell, MAcc waspromoted to Senior Associate. Jordan specializesin providing audit services to governments,nonprofits, and financial institutions. In additionto his client responsibilities, he is a member ofSEK’s Emerging Professionals Committee.

Congratulations to ToddStonesifer, who celebrated his 30-year work anniversary with Rotz &Stonesifer Certified PublicAccountants!

George Milakovic is retiring fromHerbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc.after more than 30 years of servicein our bridge design group. He hassupported the design and

inspection of hundreds of bridges across PA aswell as municipal and public works buildings,parking garages, retaining walls, pump stationsand more. We’re tremendously grateful for all hehas contributed to HRG over the years. Please joinus in wishing him well.

Members in the NewsMembers in the NewsMore

Sen. Judy WardSen. Judy Ward

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTSI have been assigned to four committees and the Pennsylvania State Employees’ RetirementSystem (SERS) board of directors for my fourth term in the Pennsylvania House ofRepresentatives. My assignments include the Health, State Government, Energy andEnvironmental Resources, and Judiciary committees. I have also been asked to serve as chairmanof the Subcommittee on Healthcare. In addition to my committee assignments, the Speaker of theHouse appointed me to the State Employee Retirement System (SERS) board which overseesPennsylvania state employees’ pension program.

Legislative Updates

Rep. Paul SchemelRep. Paul Schemel

Legislative Updates

Forms for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available for eligible Pennsylvanians tobegin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2020. Remember – you do not need to payanyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Help is available from my office at no charge. Therebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older; widows and widowers ages 50and older; and people with disabilities ages 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year forhomeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.

I was honored to be appointed to serve as Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee for the2021-22 Legislative Session. I was proud to lead this panel in 2020 and play a leading role inreviewing flaws in the Wolf Administration’s handling of nursing homes and other long-term carefacilities to ensure these facilities received adequate testing, PPE and other resources to protectseniors. I look forward to serving in this capacity again this year to strengthen some of our mostcritical programs designed to protect vulnerable Pennsylvanians.

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

PROPERTY TAX & RENT REBATES

1402 East Main Street, Waynesboro PA 17268(717) 749-7384

Senate Box 203030, Harrisburg, PA 17120-3030Phone: 717-787-5490

Fax: 717-783-5192

Recently, I spoke with a number of small business owners across the district to update them onthe newly-reopened Paycheck Protection Program and other resources available to them duringthe COVID-19 pandemic. As just one example, Joan LaSalle, President of LaSalle Trucking inEverett, told me that the Paycheck Protection Program was instrumental in her COVID-19response plan. Our small businesses and farms are not only the backbone of our economy – theyare the heart of our community. This program offers these neighbors a critical lifeline, savingjobs and supporting hardworking families. To find additional details and information about thePaycheck Protection Program, including your small business' eligibility, please visit the SmallBusiness Administration website.

Congressman John JoyceCongressman John Joyce

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT

My offices have received many questions about the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. TheDepartment of Health recently updated its vaccine distribution plan to include olderPennsylvanians and individuals with medical conditions that make them more vulnerable toCOVID-19. The new plan expands vaccine eligibility to include Pennsylvanians ages 65 or older, aswell as state residents who have conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD),cancer, sickle cell disease, chronic kidney disease or other specific medical concerns. Vaccinesupplies are currently limited. The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory but is recommended bypublic health officials. The Pennsylvania Department of Health offers information to help stateresidents make an informed choice on whether to get the vaccine, including a special section on itswebsite regarding vaccine safety.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATES VACCINATION DISTRIBUTION PLAN

Recently, I was appointed to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It is an honorto join this historic committee and help to shape policy solutions for the 21st century.Pennsylvania is a bastion of health care, energy and telecom resources. Our Commonwealth isalso home to the hardworking people who are leading these industries into the future, and I amproud to serve as their voice. As a physician who spent more than 25 years serving patients, I amespecially looking forward to using my firsthand experience to improve Americans’ access toquality and affordable health care. Now more than ever, it is critical that we advanceconservative and free-market solutions for the vital health care, energy and telecom issues underthe Energy and Commerce Committee’s jurisdiction.

IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

100 Lincoln Way E. Suite BChambersburg, PA 17201(717) 753-6344

PA CHAMBER SPEAKS TO ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF MINIMUMWAGE INCREASES DURING SENATE HEARING

At the state level, the Independent Fiscal Office has shown that an increase to $12 an hour could lead to theloss of 34,000 Pennsylvania jobs. According to the state Department of Labor and Industry’s data:• Over half of minimum wage earners are under the age of 25;• A quarter live in households with income exceeding $100,000;• 78 percent have no children. Among those who do have children, the majority are married.

Barr said that minimum wage increases are a “blunt instrument” to help those living in poverty. A moretargeted approach that does not risk job loss would be preferable, such as implementation of a state EarnedIncome Tax Credit. Lastly, Barr noted that one of the most important aspects of this discussion is for today’syouth to have the opportunity to develop the work experience and “soft skills” that lay a foundation forfuture success. Read more here.

PA Chamber of Business & IndustryPA Chamber of Business & Industry

PA Chamber President Gene Barr testified to the economic consequences of mandatedminimum wage hikes during a Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing recently. Barrsaid that minimum wage increases have historically proven to be detrimental to businessgrowth and job creation and retention, particularly for small business owners. He notedthat the Congressional Budget Office has shown that raising the federal minimum wagewould lead to an estimated 1.3 million jobs lost, with that number possibly being as high as3.7 million.

PA CHAMBER RESPONDS TO GOV. WOLF’SPROPOSED SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM

Gov. Tom Wolf recently reiterated a call he first made in December for the General Assembly to appropriate$145 million from the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund to financially assist businesses whose revenuehas been negatively impacted by the pandemic. The PA Chamber expressed appreciation for any effort tohelp struggling employers stay afloat this difficult time, but reiterated that the intent of the fund is to helpinjured workers and also urged the governor to support policies that help employers and do not cost money.

“Employers throughout the Commonwealth are facing almost unfathomable difficulties,” PA ChamberPresident Gene Barr said. “In fact, according to data released this past December by the U.S. Chamber ofCommerce, a majority of small businesses believe the worst of COVID-19’s economic impact lies ahead andhalf of small businesses see their operations continuing for a year or less in the current business climatebefore having to permanently close..." Read more here.

The COVID-19 virus continues to rage throughout this country, presenting once-in-a-generation publichealth and economic challenges. Unfortunately, for many who remain on the front lines and continue toserve our communities during this pandemic, the threat of unfair litigation continues to loom. In 2020,over $23 million was spent by plaintiffs’ firms on COVID-19-related lawsuit advertisements, a clearindication that a litigation wave is lurking.

Ensuring a bright post-pandemic future for our country’s healthcare, business and non-profit communitiesis a bipartisan objective. In the last round of COVID-19 relief negotiations, we were encouraged to seelawmakers from both sides of the aisle recognize the need for targeted and temporary liability relief.Lawmakers must come together now and ensure that the entities who continue to serve and protect theircommunities during this pandemic are themselves protected from unfair and harmful lawsuits.

The U.S. Chamber recently released a guide featuring financing options for small businesses,including:• Federal stimulus aid• Government grants• Government contract assistance• Industry-specific small business grants• And more.Times are tough for small businesses, but help is available, from both the government—federal,state or local— and the private sector. It may be in the form of a grant, a loan or a leg-upcompeting in a difficult business environment. Click here to read the full article.

U.S. CHAMBER CALLS FOR TEMPORARYLIABILITY PROTECTIONS

22 GRANTS, LOANS & PROGRAMS TOBENEFIT YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

U.S. Chamber of CommerceU.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has drafted a letter that is being signed by organizationsall over the country to advocate for U.S. Congress to provide COVID-19 federal liabilityrelief for businesses. The need for timely, targeted and temporary federal liability reliefrelated to COVID-19 remains critical to our nation’s response to, and eventual recoveryfrom, this pandemic. Congress must take bipartisan action on this issue as part of anyfuture relief efforts.

Board of Directors

Stan Flenner, PresidentGraphics Universal, Inc.

Brad Kearns, Treasurer SEK, CPAs & Advisors

Rachel Grimm, Vice-President Orrstown Bank

Frank Traver, Vice-PresidentEagle Construction, FCADC

Betsy Yumlu, Vice President F&M Trust

Charles Eckstine MBH, Inc.

Andy Everetts

M&T Bank

Ginger Everhart WellSpan Health

Dr. Lura Hanks

G-ASchool District

Casey Hurst Antrim BIC

John Frey DSS Law, LLP

Chris Grimm

ACNB Bank

Dean Martin Sunnyway Foods

Chad Murray

Antrim Township Quad State Sales and Service

Mike Reed

Manitowoc Cranes

Contact UsContact UsGreencastlePAChamber.org

info@greencastlepachamber.orgfacebook.com/GACommerce

717-597-4610217 E. Baltimore St. Greencastle PA 17225